Peace talks between embattled Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed earlier this week in Istanbul. Islamabad demands written Taliban guarantees to crush Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan, while Kabul calls it impossible and blames the escalation on airstrikes. Pakistani Defence Minister has warned of “open war”, borders are sealed and Europe is faced with a fresh illegal immigration surge, comparable with the Syrian civil war surge.
Last weekend alone, clashes killed five Pakistani soldiers and 25 TTP fighters. The latest round of violence erupted when Pakistani jets hit Kabul on October 10, retaliating for a Kashmir bombing that killed 26 civilians. Then, as the Taliban seized border posts, clashes claimed dozens of Pakistani troops and hundreds of militants, while the UN reported 37 civilians dead and 425 wounded. A Doha truce collapsed on October 17, after fresh Pakistani air strikes.
Pakistan cites UN proof of Taliban sheltering TTP militants, yet it demands things that Kabul cannot enforce over tribal networks, as there is no centralised government control in a country were provinces are ruled by clans and warlords. So, while Pakistan launches pre-emptive strikes, skirmishes persist and Kabul promises payback. At the same time, India eyes proxy gains, China guards its Belt and Road initiative, Russia is concerned with the security of pipelines and energy market wobbles — which means that Europe pays the bill.
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